Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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338. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports the new Israeli Government has now imposed sanctions on the Palestinian Authority in response to an initiative by the United Nations to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice concerning the legality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3357/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 29 December, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution (77/247), which included a request for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on issues arising from Israel’s continuing occupation of Palestinian territory. Ireland voted in favour of this Resolution. Ireland is a strong supporter of the ICJ, and welcomes the increased recourse of States to the ICJ’s advisory role in clarifying international law.

I am very concerned by Israel’s announcement, on Thursday 5 January, of retaliatory measures against the Palestinian Authority in response to this Resolution. On 16 January, Ireland joined a statement supported by over 90 UN Member States, expressing deep concern at the Israeli measures, rejecting punitive measures in response to a request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, and more broadly in response to a General Assembly resolution, and calling for their immediate reversal.

Ireland maintains a consistent and principled position on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and works closely with like-minded partners at both EU and UN level. I welcome that the Foreign Affairs Council in January afforded an opportunity to raise this issue, as a matter of priority, with my EU counterparts. The Government remains committed to a two-State solution and will continue to work with partners to revive a political process in line with international law, which ensures equal rights and is acceptable to both parties.